There’s a lot to know about ever-evolving LED lighting.

We used to think in terms of lamp wattage, or soft white vs. clear bulb choices. The conversation has shifted now to lumen output and color temperature. It can be confusing to say the least, which is why we have put together a few tips on how to best choose the right LED lamp type for your illumination needs.

Lets Talk Lumens

Lumen- the unit of measure of visible light. The lighting game has changed. A 60 watt incandescent lamp is the compared lighting equivalent of a 42 watt eco-halogen lamp, which is of similar equivalence to a 13 watt compact fluorescent lamp, or an 11 watt LED lamp. Scratching your head? You are not alone. Depending upon which type of light source you choose, the rated wattage- or the amount of energy consumed- will be different. This is why we now have to look at each lamp type’s lumen rating, or the measure of visible light produced from a specific source. Tami explains this in further detail in the video below-

It is important to know how many lumens your bulb choice is providing you with in order to properly illuminate your space. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend the following:[Read more…]

It has arrived…

The Creative Lighting

HALF YEARLY SALE

is going on NOW!

Our entire showroom is on sale, which means it is the perfect time to spruce up for Spring and get a head start on your home improvement projects. With plenty of new styles and exciting trends to choose from, we can assure you that you will be bouncing into this new season with style. Hurry in for best selection!

A chill is in the air and the Holidays are right around the corner, which means NOW is the best time to evaluate your current chandelier situation.

Not only will your table be gracing the most delectable eats this season, it will also serve to seat and entertain your nearest and dearest family and friends, which leads us to ask you an important question…does your current dining room light fixture fit the bill? Or, are you in desperate need for a dining light re-do? Let us help you find a new light fixture that not only reflects your own sense of style and is the right size and scale for your space, but provides the appropriate amount of illumination for your dining room situation. Follow our four-step guide to selecting the perfect chandelier.

Step 1: Which SIZE is right for me?

Size and placement are of the most important in considerations you need to make while selecting a chandelier for your specific dining space. Generally, we advise selecting a fixture that is approximately half the width of the table it will be above. However, with each sizing formula, there are exceptions and stipulations to consider for every unique space. Here are a couple of general sizing guidelines to help get you steered in the right direction.

First, take your room dimensions (length and width) and add those figures together. Convert that sum to inches to achieve the appropriate sizing guideline for your chandelier.

Example: 12′ + 14’= 26′

Converted to Inches= 26″

Recommended Diameter of Chandelier= 26″

Take a peek at this video from Hinkley Lighting walking you through this formula:

This being said, each home and space is unique. If you have a large, open dining area with tall or vaulted ceilings, then you may demand a fixture of a larger scale. For this, there is another guideline to consider which pays more attention to the size of the table itself.

Take the smallest width of your tabletop and subtract 12″, the remaining measurement would be the recommended diameter of a fixture deemed appropriate for your dining room.

Example: 72″ x 48″ table

Smallest Width of Table= 48″

Less 12″= 36″

Recommended Diameter of Chandelier= 36″

The next most popular question we are asked is, “How high do I hang my fixture above the table-top?” This answer will vary depending upon your ceiling height, but the most standard guideline we use is to start with a 30″ increment between the bottom of your light fixture and the top of your table. This is the best measurement for ceiling heights of 8′, adding 1″ per additional foot of ceiling height- 31″ for 9′ ceilings, 32″ for 10′ ceilings, etc.

As with many lighting choices- size, scale and hanging height can be subjective. Using a grouping of smaller fixtures or chandeliers in lieu of the classic singular suspended piece, is another popular trend people are embracing. In this situation, the above formulas are not an accurate depiction of what you may need. Each space is unique and may require a different size and scale to help it “shine”. Don’t hesitate to visit us in the showroom with pictures of your particular space so we can best help you choose the appropriately scaled fixture(s) for your lighting situation.

Step 2: How much LIGHT do I need?

Our lighting language is changing. Instead of relying on our previous formulas focusing on how much wattage our fixtures are producing, we have shifted the conversation into how many lumens a light fixture is providing us with. A lumen represents the amount of actual ambient light coming from the lamp. This discussion can be complicated, so we have found a simplified formula to use as your guideline in determining how many lumens your dining room requires in this article from 1000bulbs.com, represented below:

General Floor Spaces= Require 20 Lumens per square foot

Desk and High-Task Areas= Require 50 Lumens per square foot

Example: 72″ x 48″ (6′ x 4′) table

Square Footage of Table= 24

Multiplied by 30 (as recommended above)= 720

Recommended amount of Lumens for above Table= 720

Notice this doesn’t include the rest of the room. For the remaining square footage of the room, you would multiply that number by 20 (as referenced above) to achieve the additional amount of lumens needed to provide adequate illumination for the room’s entirety.

Example: 12′ x 14′ Dining Room= 168 square feet

72″ x 48″ table= 24 square feet

Subtract the difference= 144 square feet

Multiplied by 20 (as recommended above)= 2,880

Recommended lumens for floor area of Dining Room= 2,880

Add these two sums together to achieve your overall lumen recommendation for the Dining Room: 720 + 2880= 3,600 lumens

3,600 lumens compares to an average of 250-300 watts of incandescent light, or approximately 60 watts of LED light. Click here for more detailed information, and a lumens to watts conversion chart to help you with your calculations.

Step 3: What STYLE best fits my decor?

There are several key design features to consider when selecting the perfect chandelier for your space. Once you have determined the correct size and amount of light needed, the look of the light is the next most important decision. In order to find the right fixture to complement your overall look and decor, take some time to research the various styles and options available to you. Are you looking for something Mid-Century and Mod? Then stick to warm woods, neutral fabrics and simple, clean structures like this drum shade from Sonneman lighting. In need of a little Glimmer and Glam? Be looking for polished metals or lighter finishes adorned with glass and crystal. Evoking a Farmhouse Feel? Then dark or rusty metal finishes and more primitive shapes are going to be the key. Whatever style suits you, Creative Lighting is your source for inspiration. Come into the showroom, or visit us on-line to get started.

Step 4: Which FINISH do I choose?

With so many metal finishes to choose from today, it can be hard to determine which direction to go when updating your lighting fixtures. This step is in direct correlation to Step 3 above, but there are a few extra pieces of advice that will help you narrow the field.

First, DIFFERENT IS GOOD- It is okay for your dining room fixture to be unique from the rest of the house. The fixture you choose should be appropriate to the dining room feel you are trying to create, as well as connect to the furnishings you have within that space. This may not always be the same metal finish that is throughout the rest of your home. For example: if your house is full of smooth, satin nickel metals, but your dining room provides a warmer, more rustic feel- it may be more appropriate to select a lighting fixture with darker metals to help anchor the room.

Secondly, MIX IT UP- Long gone are the days where all bronzes look the same. Yes, it is OK to blend finishes within the same color family. Is your furniture hardware more of a smooth, uniformed oil-rubbed bronze finish? It is completely acceptable (if not somewhat encouraged) to use different shades of browns, greys, or even black, in coordination with the existing dark bronze hardware you currently exhibit. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and work with something that isn’t quite an exact match in color. Taking that risk can reap big visual rewards for your space. The important piece to remember here is that the finish you choose needs to complement the look and feel of your dining room area.

Ready to get started? Head into the showroom and let us help you create the dining room atmosphere you have always wanted, just in time for this Holiday Season.

PHOTO CRED: Hinkley Lighting, Feiss Lighting, 1000bulbs.com

As of February 2015, a new energy code started being enforced in the Minnesota building industry. It has now become mandatory that at least 75% of all lighting fixtures installed in a new construction or remodeling project shall be equipped with “high-efficiency” lamping. Though that large percentage can seem intimidating at first, it is more achievable than you may think. To help you get started, we have broken this definition down for you.

The new code defines a “high-efficiency” lamp as fitting within three categories:

As lighting experts, we have added to our normal lamp selection to provide our customers with the appropriate options in order to be in compliance with this new energy code. To make this transition as easy as possible, we are stocking a variety of CFL and LED lamps with standard medium based sockets, as well as wholly integrated LED recessed lighting fixtures, and LED BR bulbs– which can be used in any standard recessed lighting fixture.

What about those early-electric, vintage, or steam-punk designer fixtures that are so popular right now, you ask? Not to fear, we have an option available for that look, too! Check out these LED Nostalgic lamps from DVI Lighting. You can still create that warm low-light glow, and be energy efficient at the same time!

Visit our showroom today to check out our display, or give us a call at 651.647.0111 and let us help you get started and get energy efficient.

For more details and information about the 2015 Energy Code, click here.

As hard as it is to come to terms with, the incandescent bulb has recently been deemed as nostalgic. Only a brief time after it’s official production ban- the trend on energy efficient lamping solutions shifted a bit and people started falling in love with the warm glow of a little thing called The Nostalgic Edison Bulb. Some call it vintage, others old-fashioned, but whatever the term- there is one thing that we are certain of, this bulb has reached new heights in popularity over the last 5 years and is continuing to change the lighting design industry today.

Nostalgic bulbs, or lamps, as referred to by industry professionals, have the look of the original light bulb Edison designed in the early 20th Century, hence their nick-name “Edison lamps”. While their light output is typically dim due to their large glowing amber filaments and low wattage offerings, these beauties are not meant to be used in areas needing strong task lighting, but rather in spaces where a dim, ambient type of lighting is appreciated. At $10-$15 per bulb, you certainly don’t want to hide these gems in fixtures using a frosted glass cover, or put them in a lamp or fixture that isn’t on public display in your home. These pretty little numbers do their best work when placed in fixtures that are front and center on display, and have clear glass surroundings so that their glowing embers can shine proudly and create that low-light ambiance that has people swooning for more. Open any design magazine, or take some time to browse through any popular interior design site- you won’t have to look far before you notice the use of this hot lighting trend. Whether it be in pendant lights above your island, sconces throughout your living room, or in the chandelier hanging above your dining room table- the look is dim and glowing, and these lamps are serving it well.

The jury is still out as to how long the Nostalgic Edison Lamp will survive in the energy efficient driven world we all live in today, but there are new LED versions of this bulb that are starting to emerge from some of the industry’s most powerful lamp manufacturers. With careful design execution, it may be quite possible for all of us to have our cake, (and eat it too), when it comes to holding on to that warm glowing feel that old incandescent lighting provides, while still keeping the efficiency and low wattage consumption that we have all grown to desire with today’s LED technology.

Stop into the showroom today and visit our Nostalgic Bulb Display! See for yourself what a wonderful difference a little nostalgia can make.

In the past, we bought lightbulbs based on how much energy, or watts, they use. Wouldn’t it make more sense to buy lights based on how much light they provide?

When you’re shopping for lightbulbs, you can choose your next lightbulb for the brightness you want by comparing lumens instead of watts. A lumen is a measure of the amount of brightness of a lightbulb — the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the lightbulb.

If you’re replacing an inefficient 100W bulb, look for an energy-saving bulb that puts out about 1600 lumens. To replace a 60W equivalent, look for a bulb with about 800 lumens.

So when you’re looking for a new bulb, look for lumens — or how bright the bulb is. Now that’s a pretty bright idea!

Stop by Creative Lighting anytime and we’d be happy to help you determine what lighting source, wattage, and style will work best in your space!

With changing technologies and new government standards, what once seemed easy can now be overwhelming. That said, with a few facts in-hand selecting the right light bulb can be easy.

When selecting light bulbs, there are a few questions to determine the right choice for your space:

Where will this bulb be used?

How often and for what periods of time will the bulb be used each week?

How much light do I need in the space the bulb is used?

Is it important to have a pleasing or true color in this space?

What type of fixture will I use the bulb in?

Will I need to dim this bulb?

Here is a chart to breakdown the basics of the traditional bulb. Below we are comparing 60 watt equivalent light bulbs. The information is an approximate range to help you determine the best bulb for you.

A few notes regarding the chart.

The cost per year is based on 3 hours of use per day.

Light output is measured in lumens, not watts, so it is important to use the lumen measurement when comparing bulbs. This is the only way to really know how the bulb will perform.

Pricing will vary depending on the quality and features of the bulbs. You will find that you typically “get what you pay for.”

Many different types of bulbs are dimmable, but you do need to make sure your dimmer type matches your bulb type. Incandescent and Halogen typically dim on a standard dimmer, but fluorescent and LED need to have dimmers that will handle that those types of bulbs. The bulb must also be rated for dimming.

The color rendering index (CRI) tells us how true the color appears. (We’ve all been in a spot where you can’t tell if it’s blue or black, or have seen your gray look green under certain light.) Halogen and the old Incandescent will have a CRI of 100 – truest color rendering. Fluorescent and LED can range up to 90 CRI…this is a very important number when looking to convert your home to these bulbs. Look for something with a rating of 85 or higher that will keep your green, green and your taupe, taupe.

Bulbs create light in different ranges of the spectrum. Incandescent light feels warm and yellow glowing at a color temperature of 2700 degrees Kelvin. A cool white fluorescent bulb will provide a much bluer light at 4100 degrees Kelvin. Each has their place, but will look better in a matching color scheme. For warmer tones of brown and creams, a 2700-3000 Kelvin rated bulb usually looks best. If your space is full of grays and blues something in a 3500-4100 degree Kelvin will accentuate those colors.

When using enclosed fixtures, the heat will not escape quickly, so bulbs can run too hot and burn out quickly.

The typical household bulb throws light in many directions (omni-directional). This means your fixture may not
“light” the same way using LED vs. incandescent. Sometimes this matters, sometimes it doesn’t. Find whichever best suits the space and fixture you are using it in.

Stop by or call – we can answer your questions and help you determine what your best option is.

Minnesota's only lighting provider where the online and in-store experience combine to ensure you save time, get the right advice, find the right fixture at the right price, all backed with a commitment to service and the community since 1926.